“This is the mark of Christianity: however much a man toils, and however many righteousnesses he performs, to feel that he has done nothing, and in fasting to say, ‘This is not fasting,’ and in praying, ‘This is not prayer,’ and in perseverance at prayer, ‘I have shown no perseverance; I am only just beginning …
“Endurance produces character, which contributes in some measure to the things which are to come because it gives power to the hope which is within us. Nothing encourages a man to hope for blessing more than the strength of a good character. No one who has led a good life worries about the future…. Does …
“Patient waiting is necessary that we may fulfil what we have begun to be and, through God‘s help, that we may obtain what we hope for and believe.” – St. Cyrpian #hope #perseverance #patience #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox
